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Best way to swap filters?

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The filter in my 20 gal is starting to act up and I need to change it before it quits. I have the new filter but whats the best way to switch to the new one without completely destroying my cycled tank?

The filter in my 20 gal is starting to act up and I need to change it before it quits. I have the new filter but whats the best way to switch to the new one without completely destroying my cycled tank?

What do you mean by it's "acting up"

You can just transfer your cycled media right into the new filter - assuming the old filter is cycled.

As a alternative, you can run both filters on the tank for about 6 weeks allowing the new filter to become seeded with bacteria and then remove the old one. I have done this twice now on moderately stocked tanks without even a mini spike in the water parameters after I took the old filter off.

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

I'm assuming it's the motor, it's not been pumping right for the last few days. I decided to replace it since it needed updating anyway. It's at least a year or two old. I got the setup used from a lady that was just going to dump it and flush her poor platy so I took him and the tank.

I've had the tank up and running for around 10 months now, no problems at all with it until this filter issue.

A year or two old and you 'expect' it to act up? That filter is either junk or just needs cleaning - I've bought cheap filters and never has one failed under four years. As one posted, the implier might need cleaning.

Knowledge is fun(damental)

A 75 gal with eight Discus, fake plants, and a lot of wood also with sand substrate. Clean up crew is down to just two Sterba's Corys. Filters: continuous new water flow; canister w/UV, in-tank algae scrubber!! Finally, junked the nitrate removal unit from hell.

I think I'll go with Cliff's suggestion and run them both for 6 weeks, as long as the old one will hang on that long, if not I'll transfer as much as possible.

Thank you all for the help. :)

A year or two old and you 'expect' it to act up? That filter is either junk or just needs cleaning - I've bought cheap filters and never has one failed under four years. As one posted, the implier might need cleaning.

I'm not exactly sure how old it is. I know at the very least its a year or two and it was pretty bad off when I got it. None of it was taken care of and the tank looked horrible. It was a nightmare to clean them up. Honestly I'm surprised it lasted this long.
I've already tried cleaning the impeller.

The shaft the impeller sits in should be cleaned too. It can get filled with a lot of gunk.

If you want just take the old filter cartridge and put it into the new filter. In the new filter if there is enough room, put both the new and old cartridge in there, then in a few weeks time take the old cartridge out.